Principia and Blackburn each announced they were dropping football, effective immediately. With the additions of programs at Anna Maria and Castleton State, the number of Division III football teams will remain at 238, with a 239th program, Newport News Apprentice, tracked by D3football.com as well.

With the SLIAC falling below seven football teams, the league is no longer in line for an automatic bid in 2010.

"Let me be clear that the football program is well supported and funded and that this decision has nothing to do with program finances," Principia president Johnathan Palmer said in a letter to the campus community, "but rather reflects a recognition that our current program does not produce or provide Principia with the level of participation and competition consistent with our goals for intercollegiate athletics."

Principia started training camp with just 30 players and was ranked No. 239 of 239 teams in D3football.com's Kickoff 2008 preseason ranking. Blackburn was ranked No. 236 and went 2-8, beating No. 238 Maranatha Baptist and Principia.

"(This is) the result of thorough research, thoughtful negotiation and heartfelt compromise," Blackburn president Miriam Pride said. "(It) redirects our resources to focus on our strengths. We are committed to continuing the unique fulfilling educational experience of our students."

Blackburn started the season with 65 players on its roster, more than 10 percent of the campus population.

While Principia holds out hope of resuming its football program in the near future, the school faces unique challenges. Only Christian Scientists can attend the school, limiting the talent pool available. And the school has high academic and moral standards.